Choosing the Right Survey Partner: What to Ask Before You Break Ground

When you're about to break ground on a construction site—whether it's a highways upgrade or a new housing development—the last thing you want is a buried service derailing the programme. That's where the right utility survey partner comes in. But not all survey providers are equal. Before you commit, here’s what to ask to make sure your project starts on solid (and well-surveyed) ground.

Choosing the right survey partner means getting accurate data from the start—this GNSS setup supports safe, efficient planning before any ground is broken.

1. Are You Working to PAS 128 Standards?

PAS 128 is the recognised UK standard for underground utility detection. It outlines a clear methodology for utility surveys, including desktop searches, site reconnaissance, and the use of detection techniques like EML (Electromagnetic Locator) and GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar).

What to ask:

- Do you offer PAS 128 Quality Level B surveys?

- Can you explain how you use EML and GPR on site?

- Will I receive a post-survey report with QL classifications?

Working to PAS 128 isn’t just good practice—it helps you manage risk, budget realistically, and comply with safety standards.

2. What Equipment and Techniques Do You Use?

Not all utility detection tools are created equal. Your survey partner should be able to explain how they combine GPR, EML, and visual inspection to get accurate results, especially in built-up areas or around live infrastructure.

What to ask:

- What detection methods will you use on our site?

- Do you conduct multiple passes or grid surveys?

- Can you scan in areas with reinforced concrete or high congestion? If they can’t explain their process clearly, keep looking.

3. What Experience Do You Have with Sites Like Ours?

Utility surveying in a rural field is very different from working on a live carriageway or near Network Rail infrastructure. You want a partner who understands site constraints, stakeholder requirements, and can operate safely around other contractors.

What to ask:

- Have you worked on similar civils or highways projects?

- Can you show examples of past surveys or reports?

- What health and safety procedures do you follow on live sites?

4. How Quickly Can You Mobilise and Deliver Results?

Timelines matter. Look for a partner who can meet your programme without compromising quality.

What to ask:

- How quickly can you start?

- When will I receive the drawings and reports?

- What formats do you deliver in—DWG, PDF, BIM?

You want someone who fits seamlessly into your workflow, not someone who slows it down.

5. Will I Get Actionable, Usable Survey Data?

A professional utility survey shouldn’t just give you a pile of data—it should give you clarity. That means CAD-ready drawings, clear annotations, and a format that your design and engineering teams can use right away.

What to ask:

- Do you provide Civil 3D or AutoCAD-compatible files?

- Will the report include utility depths, service types, and QL levels?

- Can you follow our drawing naming conventions?

6. Who Will Be on Site?

Knowing who’s doing the work matters. Ask about staff qualifications, training, and supervision.

What to ask:

- Are your surveyors in-house or subcontracted?

- Will we have a single point of contact?

- What’s your backup plan if someone is unavailable?

At AKN Engineering, all our surveyors are directly employed, trained in-house, and overseen by experienced surveyors.

7. Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Always ask for examples of completed work. This helps you gauge the provider’s reliability and whether their output meets your project’s needs.

What to ask:

- Can I see a recent PAS 128 report?

- Do you have references in the highways or civils sector?

Final Thoughts: Don’t Cut Corners on Utility Surveys

Striking a buried service is one of the fastest ways to delay your project and inflate costs. Choosing the right survey partner—one who understands your sector, uses proven methods, and delivers clear outputs—sets you up for success before any excavation begins.

AKN Engineering offers PAS 128-compliant utility surveys across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, and the wider East of England.

Whether you're planning drainage works, highway tie-ins, or housing infrastructure, our experienced team provides safe, accurate, and programme-aligned support.

Visit www.aknengineering.co.uk, call ☎️ 01279 927 033 or email office@aknengineering.co.uk to discuss your next project.